Hindsford 0, Prestwich Heys 1

CHRIS Smithies slotted home an 87th minute winner to edge a fairly even contest at Hindsford as the awful conditions made life difficult for both sides.

Martin Love and Sam Smith went close with first half efforts before a mix-up at the back between ‘keeper Eliot Bernstein and Mark Powell nearly gifted the Tyldesley based side the lead.

Luckily for Heys, the forward lacked any composure in front of an open goal and blazed high over the crossbar.

But the chance spurred the home side on as they finished the half strongly.

A deep cross from the right was headed narrowly wide from six yards before Bernstein looked on as a volley from the edge of the box flashed wide past his far post.

But as the game got back underway after the break, the heavens opened which quickly turned the pitch in to an almost unplayable mud bath.

Chances were few and far between for Heys while Hindsford enjoyed some decent possession but lacked the killer final ball.

Heys midfielder Paul Leonard nearly put through his own net, heading a Hindsford corner inches over the bar from six yards, while Bernstein was soon after diving at full stretch to make sure a low 25-yarder went wide of the post.

The moment of magic for Heys came with three minutes of normal time remaining.

Sam Smith showed good vision to pick out Smithies on the left. The striker kept his cool to slot home under the advancing ‘keeper which surely left no time for Hindsford to respond.

But respond they did, working long down the left, a striker found himself clean through on goal but made a hash of his effort which was easily collected by Bernstein.

The win sees Heys take advantage of the days reduced league programme to move back up to fifth place in the Premier Division table with 45 points.

Irlam captured top spot for the time being with a thumping 8-0 win over Breightmet United while long-time leaders Gregorians went down 4-2 at Leigh Athletic in the cup.

Heys are on the road again next Saturday when they travel to Gorton to take on 9th placed East Manchester.

Bernstein, Hutchinson, Slater, Walters, Powell, Smith, Leonard, Lyons (Keegan), Smithies (1) (Freakes), Leach, Love (McMahon)

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